During the presentation of the Committee on Education and Sports’ report on the Budget Framework Paper, legislators on the Budget Committee emphasized the need to prioritize the construction of Akii-Bua Stadium as one of the venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) games.
Chairperson of the Education and Sports Committee, John Ntamuhiira, recommended that the Ministry of Finance allocate an additional Shs100 billion to the National Council of Sports for the construction of Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira and Buhinga Stadium in Kabarole.
The PAMOJA bid, where Uganda is set to co-host the 2027 AFCON with Kenya and Tanzania, designates Akii-Bua Stadium as one of the hosting venues. Ntamuhiira highlighted that after the government’s failure to secure a grant from the Republic of China for the construction of the two regional stadiums, it is imperative for the government to secure funding for their development.
Paul Omara raised concerns about the lack of priority given to Akii-Bua Stadium in the proposed budget, urging a decisive commitment to its construction for the AFCON 2027. Maxwell Akora expressed worries about the cost disparity between the 15,000-seater Hoima Stadium (estimated at Shs380 billion) and the 30,000-seater Akii-Bua Stadium (estimated at Shs180 billion). He questioned the decision, citing concerns from the North, including Lango, Acholi, and West Nile.
The Education Committee further recommended a provision of Shs110 billion for the construction of 11 training grounds for the 2027 AFCON games. Ntamuhiira also proposed an additional Shs114 billion to cover commitment fees under the PAMOJA bid, essential for Uganda to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements and avoid the revocation of the AFCON bid.
